In the old 47G-4A (Lyc VO-540 with a carb) in very cold weather (-5C), sometimes upon start attempt the engine would fire for just a bit and then die. That small bit of heat would cause condensation within the cylinders and then the plugs would ice over. At least, that's what the mechanics said was happening. Whatever, the bastard would definitely not start after that, even if you cranked until the batt was flat. GPU didn't help. The *ONLY* solution was to bring the thing inside and apply some heat. We learnt that we had but *one* shot at getting the priming/throttle position "just right" or we'd be repeating the process all over again.
Cold weather, ugh. Brrr. Thank God they are distant...very distant...memories.